"We welcome Mr. Smith back to FAMU," Larry Robinson, the university's interim president, said in a statement. "We are confident that with his expertise, he will ensure that all of the initiatives that have been put in place will be implemented."

Smith will begin his new position on Feb. 1.

"I know this position will require a high level of communication with various entities around campus, with the local community and with investigative agencies," Smith said in a statement. "It will be a demanding position but I am very confident in my abilities and I vow to be organized, timely, fair, proactive, open and honest, ethical and hardworking."

Smith added that his goal is to change any culture of hazing at FAMU and to help the university maintain its integrity.